SPOILS OF THE FESTIVE SEASON

I'll admit that I could have been a little more prompt with my Christmas/Birthday present post, but when the norovirus is one of your Christmas presents, things tend to get a bit delayed! Boxing day morning onwards was rather sadly wiped out - my planned birthday tea at Sketch had to be called off and our trip to The Pig in the New Forest too. But I'm sure we'll find another day to go so I can't be too blue about it all!

And anyway, how blue could I be with lots of beautiful presents to stare at from my sickbed. I've picked out a few of my favourites: J.Crew silver brogues, new coffee table books for my little book stack, Jo Malone cologne (Orange Blossom this time!), an array of candles from Christian Tortu, Diptyque and Space NK and beautiful J.Crew costume jewellery:

 

I hope you had a lovely Christmas and New Year! Here's to 2014!

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CHRISTMAS (AND BIRTHDAY) WISHLIST

I have been compiling my list for an embarrassingly long time. I take great pleasure every year in slowly adding this and that, taking items out, putting them back in, and so on until I'm left with my perfect collection for that year. 

The same things make their way on year in, year out, without fail (cashmere and new sheepskin slippers). I would have LOVED a cashmere dressing down (as per usual), but this little cable knit chap from Topshop will happily fit the bill until the time for cashmere loungewear is nigh. 

Luxe knitwear comes courtesy of Reiss and Whistles, perfect for cosying up in on Boxing day (layered over a white Whistles blouse and classic-wash Topshop Jamie jeans). 

I always keep one eye permanently on J.Crew's beautiful jewellery, and adding this classic statement necklace to my collection would make me very happy come Christmas day. A more subtle, yet just as wondrous piece of jewellery comes from Monica Vinader in the form of their perfect gold Siren engravable ring.

In terms of beauty, I would love to replace my fantastic (but aged) Shu Uemura eyelash curlers. Being something of a lip balm fiend, it would be very exciting to make the cult By Terry Baume de Rose one mine at last. I'm also keen to add some Aromatherapy Associates bath and shower oils to my bathroom cabinet for those days when my regular shower gel just doesn't cut the mustard. Candles always make lovely gifts. I first discovered Christian Tortu candles whilst on holiday in America and they smell beyond divine. As is mu tradition, I like to start a new perfume on Christmas day - this year I hope it'll be Jo Malone's Orange Blossom cologne.

I've noticed how silver oxfords feature regularly (and perfectly) in Olivia Palermo's wardrobe, and when I spotted these narrow and perfectly refined ones from J.Crew, I dropped some hefty hints to my man friend. He's not entirely on board with shoes that he can see his reflection in, but he seems willing to put his misgivings to one side in order to make me happy. 

Last, but not least, I've become mildly obsessed with coffee table books and would love to have all of the above on my coffee table, ready to be leafed through or simply sit ever so prettily in a stylish stack. And yes, I am a very late convert to the Rachel Zoe Project and love all things Zoe at the mo. Incidentally, the books would look great sitting next to this beautiful gold tray from Zara Home. 

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A CHRISTMASSY LIST

It's not like me to let nigh on 5 days of December pass by before uploading my Christmas list to le blog. But I've been hideously busy with work and squeezing in a trip to The Pig in the New Forest for my boyfriend's birthday (it was blooming INCREDIBLE. For a spot on review head over to Milly's blog). I have been neglecting my Christmas and birthday montage for far too long. Yes that's right, Christmas and birthday within three days of each other. Pretty darn tough on the joint-present side.

 

Anywho, I digress. Here is my festive montage in all its glory!



 The recurring theme this year seems to be a desperation for cashmere and Jo Malone. I suppose something about this time of year makes me want to stockpile cashmere like a mad person and smell darn good doing it. 

I'm hoping to don the grey cashmere Whistles dress and beautiful jewelled ASOS earrings on Christmas day. Can you think of anything more comfortable?

The Reiss dress found its way on to the montage because this year I'm heading to Scotland for New Year's Eve and would love a party dress befitting the occasion. I've seen this fellow in store and it is uber cool whilst looking something like a wrapped present. I love it.

 

One member of the montage doesn't require much explanation. I would ruddy LOVE to revel in a little Marant for my 25th birthday bash - hint hint to the man in my life!

 

I always enjoy flannel nightwear post-Christmas and this grey check night shirt from The White Company is just the ticket. Unlike most nightshirts it is not ridiculously short. It's what I like to think of as a cosy length rather than a sort of attempt-to-be-sexy length. That's not what I look for in my flannel nightwear. Heavens no. When not in my nightshirt, I'd like to be lounging in front of the Downton Christmas special wearing the navy cashmere Cos joggers.

 

This year I'd also like to get more serious about hair care. I won't lie - after seeing the brilliant Bumble & Bumble video recording the Man Repeller's quest for french hair I had to get my hands on this pomade. So much so that my boyfriend's sister in law in America kindly got hold of it for me and it'll be winging its way to me in time for my birthday. A Parlux hairdryer would also be a dream addition - I've heard only good things and would be ridiculously excited to call this my own. Not to mention at the moment I currently haul a humongous hairdryer around and this compact Parlux one would open up precious suitcase inches for other things.

 

Outrageous  aspirational gifts aside, I always love adding to the old DVD collection and after reading a (admittedly rather a trashy chick-lit) novel about Meryl Streep films this summer, I'm anxious to see Heartburn (I've just finished the book) and Kramer vs Kramer. I also recently discovered Natalie Duncan on Weekend Wogan (I love radio 2 - don't knock it it's my thing) and am eager to add her album to my collection.

You may or may not know, depending on whether you follow my nattering on twitter, but I'm a quiet, closet, behind closed door fan of the Real Housewives. Specifically OC and NY if you're curious. Partial to a bit of Beverly Hills too though. Given this, and my new found love for Carole Radziwill, I'm keen to read her New York Times Bestseller: 'What Remains'. You can probably tell I'm not a literary snob - I just like to read what I'm drawn to and that can range from aforementioned chick lit to serious reads the likes of which one wouldn't be ashamed to bring up at a party. (My sister has been known to say I only read things with cupcakes on the cover. My reputation has never recovered).

 

Last but not least, I'd be overjoyed to receive a Garance Dore poster. I just know it would look brilliant framed in my flat - there is something so lovely about this caped girl.

 

I hope you're enjoying compiling your Christmas lists and enjoying the joys of December in general. It really is the best time of year in my humble opinon.

 

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NEW IN [PLUS A LITTLE RAMBLING THROWN IN FOR FREE]

I have been busy amassing my autumn/winter wardrobe. My shopping style has changed a tad according to my new found student-hood (again!). It's tough but the student discount sweetens the bitter financial pill.

When all is said and done I shop a lot less and plan a lot more. This is all well and good - BUT - it has made me an uber hesitant shopper. If shopping were a driving test I'd fail repeatedly. My hand darts back and forwards to the rail, I walk purposefully towards the till before slowly retreating, my breathing becomes strained, my eyes dart left and right. I then walk straight out of the the door (putting the item back first of course, what d'ya take me for). 

After months of the aforementioned behaviour, I have actually managed to complete a few journeys to the till and now proudly have the carefully selected items below hanging or siting in my wardrobe as we speak. Primed and ready to go. 

- Etoile Isabel Marant Monty jacket: a delightful autumnal cardi-jacket which will step in where my spring/summer Haca jacket has performed so perfectly.

- Topshop coats nattered about here and here

- Topshop wooly hat

- JW Anderson Bat jumper - I LOVE THIS!! Milly of Milly Fell Into The Wardrobe's glee upon bagging hers was all the encouragement I needed.

- Reiss Grey Sweatshirt (Mine is actually a Gap one in the sale. Hugely useful and inspired by Laura at Wearing It Today)

- Topshop Faux-Leather skinny trousers

- Topshop Denim dress

- Nike Free Running trainers - I'm very, very excited about these. Ever since Leandra of Man Repeller mused about wearing these with leather trousers and a pea coat I practically had to be restrained. This idea sounds so perfect to me and I can't wait to try it out.

- Isabel Marant Bazil sneakers - these will truly come into their own come Autumn. I plan to wear them with denim and dresses. They're just achingly cool. 

- I've been after an evil eye necklace for aaages. This one is Aamaya by Priyanka, but I found a beautiful tiny one on Etsy. It's been a pretty permanent fixture since it arrived with the postman. 

Despite my new shopping habits being a little tricky, I do think they make for a better wardrobe overall. Each thing I buy, I love. Rare mistakes are quickly ebayed and expenses recouped! 

 I also have my eye on these three little fellows - I've been on the look out for more evening things on account of the fact my 'drobe is sadly lacking in this department! And lovely heels for £16 aren't to be sniffed at. Wouldn't you agree?

Topshop full skirt, Matalan heels, ASOS clutch

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THE 1ST OF DECEMBER CAN MEAN ONLY ONE THING

The start of advent must means it is officially acceptable to air ones Christmas wish list. 

I have been tinkering with mine, adding and subtracting little bits and pieces for ooo... about a month now. It is quite possibly the best distraction there is.

So here she is, a happily endless work in progress:

Topshop dress,  Zara sequined ballet pumps, APC sweater, Topshop angora striped sweater, Mulberry Lily, Diptyque Baies oval, Anya Hindmarch wash bag, Aesop Fabulous Facial Oil, Diptyque spiced plum candle, Jo Malone soaps, Jo Malone bath oil, James Heeley perfume, The West Wing Season 2, Trashy novel, The Lion King Musical tickets, an Au Maison quilt, Mini Uggs

Of course it is a mix of the desperately-hoped-for and the never-going-to-happen (Mulberry Lily that's you I'm afraid). 

But I always love the idea of amassing beautiful new toiletries, pretty dresses, cozy knits, a brilliant box set and a trip to the theatre (my boyfriend has a penchant for musicals...). 

I'm very much hoping for a beautiful floral quilt to appear under the tree this year - I love the vintage look of Au Maison's quilts - they're an affordable investment and look like the kind of thing you would have in your family for years. 

Of course no festive season is complete without a few sequins, (this year they might come in the shape of Zara's brilliant gold ballet pump) and a new season scent - courtesy of Paris based James Heeley's Menthe Fraiche.

This entry will most likely mark me out as something of a brat - but never fear, despite my long list I'm mostly looking forward to The Muppets' Christmas Carol, turkey, stuffing, Christmas pudding and cake, The Rat Pack's jazz CD, champagne and tying everything within reach in gingham ribbon. 

What is on your Christmas list this year? I assure you it isn't too early. :)